Tips for healthy vending machines
Vending machines are a quick and easy way to provide food and drinks. Healthy vending machines help staff, volunteers and visitors access healthy options even when they’re short on time.
What to include in your vending machine?
The table below outlines common foods and drinks for vending machines that are green (best choices) or amber (choose carefully).
You can also use FoodChecker for inspiration and to look up food, drinks and snacks which are classified as green, amber or red.
Get started at FoodChecker
Non-refrigerated foods
Green - best choices | Amber – choose carefully | Green or amber options* |
Plain unsalted nuts, seeds or legumes Plain, air popped popcorn (unsalted) Fruit tubs with natural juice Porridge or oats | Dried fruit Some salted or flavoured popcorn* Some crisps, chips, crackers and pretzels* Some cereal based, fruit filled or fruit and nut bars* | Fruit and nut/trail mixes Tuna and cracker snacks
Packaged soups |
* use Foodchecker to determine classification
Refrigerated foods
Green - best choices | Amber – choose carefully | Green or amber options* |
Reduced fat yoghurt tubs or pouches Reduced fat cheese and crackers Reduced fat dip and crackers Sandwiches, rolls or wraps (if suitable for the machine) |
Regular fat yoghurt tubs or pouches Regular fat cheese and crackers Some reduced fat dairy desserts* Some ready to eat meals* |
Sandwiches, rolls or wraps (if suitable for the vending machine) |
* use FoodChecker to determine classification
Cold drinks
Green - best choices | Amber – choose carefully | Green or amber options* |
Plain water (still or sparkling) Soda water Reduced-fat plain milk Calcium-fortified plain milk alternatives (including rice, soy or almond milks) |
Fruit juice (at least 99% juice and no added sugar) with a maximum serve size of 250ml Water flavoured with natural essence Regular fat plain milk Artificially sweetened drinks Coconut water with no added sugar and <300kJ per serve |
Flavoured milks* |
* use FoodChecker to determine classification
For more inspiration or support to improve your vending machine:
- visit our simple steps to find ideas for healthy food and snacks
- visit our healthy drinks page to find ideas for drinks
- use FoodChecker to assess your vending machine
- use FoodChecker to find green and amber food and drink products to include in your vending machine
- email Preventive Health SA for further information or support.
Copyright © State of Victoria, Australia. Used with permission of the Victorian Department of Health. Reproduction and other uses comprised in the copyright are prohibited without permission.
